“Stood down” – All Blacks star Anton Segner sent home with immediate effect
Rugby NewsWednesday, 26 August 2026 at 00:31
All Blacks loose forward Anton Segner has been ruled out of the remainder of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour after undergoing minor surgery on an ankle infection.
The 25-year-old will return to New Zealand to continue his recovery, bringing his involvement in the tour to a premature end.
Segner had initially been named on the bench for the All Blacks’ 33-16 victory over the Springboks at Ellis Park, but was withdrawn shortly before kick-off after developing a swollen ankle.
The problem was initially assessed as acute inflammatory arthritis, before further examinations resulted in Segner undergoing keyhole surgery to wash out an infection in the joint.
All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie confirmed the forward would play no further part in the tour.
“He had a little bit of keyhole surgery, just the washout and infection,” Rennie said.
Segner will travel with the squad to Cape Town before returning home to continue his recovery.
Despite losing another member of his touring squad, Rennie confirmed the All Blacks will not call up an injury replacement, with the head coach satisfied with his loose-forward options for the remaining Tests.
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Dave Rennie's side have also completed a clean sweep of South Africa's club teams, but the second of four Tests presents another huge challenge. Here is our predicted All Blacks squad.
Predicted All Blacks XV:
15 Damian McKenzie
Having established himself as the clear first-choice fullback, McKenzie should retain his place after another solid showing in the opening Test.
There was nothing in his performance at Ellis Park to suggest that a change is needed, and continuity at the back makes sense heading into the next match.
14 Will Jordan
Few players in world rugby carry the same consistent try-scoring threat as Jordan. An early score against the Springboks was another reminder of his finishing ability, and he remains a crucial part of the All Blacks backline.
Even when opportunities are limited, Jordan has the ability to turn a single chance into points, making him difficult to leave out.
13 Quinn Tupaea
Although Rieko Ioane impressed during the midweek victory over the Lions, Tupaea delivered when it mattered most in the first Test. His form is difficult to ignore, particularly after being named Super Rugby Player of the Year last season.
The centre looks in outstanding touch at present and showed against the Springboks why he has become such an important figure in the All Blacks midfield.
12 Jordie Barrett
Barrett is virtually certain to feature, particularly given the influence of his combination with Ruben Love. Their playmaking ability remains one of the All Blacks' most dangerous attacking weapons.
Named Player of the Match in Saturday's victory, the midfielder also made a significant contribution defensively and underlined his importance on both sides of the ball.
11 Emoni Narawa
Josh Moorby did enough in the first Test to put himself in contention for another appearance, but Narawa's performance against the Lions may have given him the edge.
He was a constant attacking threat, while his partnership with fellow wing Fehi Fineanganofo repeatedly asked questions of the South African defence. Every time Narawa found space, he looked capable of making something happen.
10 Ruben Love
Dave Rennie has shown considerable faith in Love, and the fly-half has so far rewarded that confidence.
One of the most impressive players in his position in world rugby at the moment, he has made the No.10 shirt increasingly difficult to take away from him.
His place in the starting XV now looks secure after another encouraging start to the series.
9 Cam Roigard
Roigard is another player who appears firmly established as first choice. The scrum-half is among the leading players in the world in his position, and it would take a major shift in form to dislodge him from the starting side.
1 George Bower
With Ethan de Groot unavailable due to concussion, Bower is expected to move up from the bench. His inclusion ahead of Xavier Numia in the first Test was something of a surprise, but the Crusaders prop made a positive impact when introduced.
He also performed well against the Springboks and has done enough to earn a starting opportunity.
2 Codie Taylor
Taylor endured a difficult afternoon in the opening Test and knows that another poor performance could put his place under serious pressure. His discipline was particularly concerning at Ellis Park, but his experience may just give him the advantage for the second Test.
At 35, the hooker has enough big-game experience to respond, and Rennie could choose to show faith in him rather than make an immediate change.
A strong performance would settle the debate, but anything less could open the door for someone else in the final two Tests.
3 Tyrel Lomax
Lomax also struggled to reach his best in the opener, although he remains the prop who appears best equipped to deal with Ox Nche.
There were still enough positive moments in his performance to suggest that he can handle the physical challenge posed by the Springboks.
Another disappointing outing, however, could leave his position vulnerable and this may prove to be his final opportunity to make a convincing case for retention.
4 Patrick Tuipulotu
Josh Lord's concussion-enforced absence could create an opportunity for Tuipulotu to step into the starting side.
The 33-year-old did not necessarily stand out against the Lions, but his experience and physicality could be particularly valuable in such a demanding contest.
Having played in plenty of high-pressure matches, he knows exactly what will be required against the Springboks.
5 Fabian Holland
There is little reason to consider dropping Holland after a solid first Test. The young Dutch-born lock has earned Rennie's trust and has responded well to the responsibility placed on him.
His return from a lengthy injury lay-off has been particularly impressive, and another start would allow him to continue building momentum.
6 Tupou Vaa'i
Vaa'i was effective at blindside in the opening Test and would be an unexpected omission from the side. His physicality gives the back row an important balance, while his ability to cover the second row has also allowed the All Blacks greater flexibility from the bench.
That approach appeared to work well in the first Test and could be used again.
7 Luke Jacobson
The flanker was an important part of the All Blacks pack at Ellis Park and produced enough to justify keeping his place. His work around the field helped provide the forward unit with plenty of energy and physicality.
Another start looks the logical decision.
8 Ardie Savea
As captain and one of the team's biggest match-winners, Savea is almost certain to remain at No.8 unless there is a fitness concern. There appears to be no suggestion of that heading into the second Test.
Capable of producing something from almost nothing, he will again be expected to provide some of the All Blacks' biggest moments.
Replacements
16 Asafo Aumua
17 Xavier Numia
18 Fletcher Newell
19 Simon Parker
20 Peter Lakai
21 Kyle Preston
22 Richie Mo'unga
23 Rieko Ioane
The bench could remain largely unchanged after the forwards made a strong impact in the first Test. Numia is likely to come into the matchday squad following de Groot's injury, while Mo'unga's experience could prove especially valuable as the game develops.
Ioane strengthened his case with his display against the Lions and could earn a place among the replacements.
Timoci Tavatavanawai and Fehi Fineanganofo would be unfortunate to miss out, particularly after their contributions during the midweek fixture.
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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